Here at NerdLeaks we’re following a fresh set of details concerning the upcoming 25th anniversary Xbox controller that have reportedly leaked ahead of an imminent official reveal. Per Pure Xbox, new information originating from Dealabs outlines a release plan, pricing, and the distinctive look for the XBOX Wireless Controller X25 Special Edition — but take this with a pinch of salt until Microsoft confirms anything.
What Was Reported
According to Dealabs and relayed by Pure Xbox, the headline claims are:
- Pre-Order Date: Allegedly opening on August 26th.
- Release Date: Allegedly planned for October 20th.
- Price: Reportedly £74.99 / €79.99 / $79.99.
- Design: A translucent OG Green finish, with the back case and battery door fully transparent to reveal the classic XBOX logo; the controller is said to showcase 25 years of play with original ABXY colours, timeless green accents, and bumpers that “honour the original black and white buttons on the original ‘Duke’ controller.”
- Bundle Note: The Xbox Series X25 console will apparently come bundled with the controller, per what Microsoft said back in June.
Pure Xbox also asks readers to note that Dealabs does not have the console’s specific dates, and they remind readers to “expect an official announcement next week.” If true, the pre-order timing would coincide with the first Xbox broadcast at Gamescom 2026.
The Source & Credibility
These details were first surfaced by Dealabs, a community-driven outlet that Pure Xbox says is “usually always right on the money” for similar leaks. That endorsement appears to be why this particular leak has traction — but it remains unconfirmed by Microsoft at the time of reporting.
Why We Should Stay Skeptical
Leaked retail dates and prices have a mixed track record. While Dealabs has been accurate in past cases, nothing here has been officially posted by Microsoft or showcased in marketing collateral available to the public. Per the relay from Pure Xbox, the dates and price are still leaks and should be treated as such — allegedly accurate, but not yet verified.
What It Could Mean
If the reported pre-order and release timing are real, this would place the controller’s availability firmly around the same period as a big Xbox showcase at Gamescom 2026, which could make sense as a platform for a formal reveal. The translucent OG Green aesthetic and explicit nods to the original “Duke” controller suggest Microsoft intends this to be a collector-focused offering rather than a subtle variant of the standard pad.
- Collector Appeal: The transparent back and retro button colour cues are framed as celebration pieces — if true, they’ll likely attract buyers who want memorabilia from the 25th anniversary.
- Bundling Strategy: The claim that the Xbox Series X25 console will come bundled with this controller (per Microsoft’s June comments) implies a coordinated anniversary hardware push.
- Market Dynamics: A reported £74.99 / €79.99 / $79.99 price positions the pad as a premium limited-edition peripheral — again, if true — which may influence demand and resale.
We’ve seen controller leaks and limited editions before, including other alleged pad designs in the wild; for a point of comparison, see our earlier coverage of other controller rumours like the Storm King controller leak, which similarly focused on a distinctive aesthetic.
Why This Matters
Alleged pricing, a reported pre-order window, and a seemingly nostalgic design matter for collectors and regular players alike. If the dates and price are accurate, anyone keen on securing one of these limited items would need to be ready for the purported August 26th pre-order opening — which, per Pure Xbox, is the same day as the first Xbox Gamescom broadcast. That timing could make this a headline item during the show.
On the other hand, until Microsoft confirms anything, all of the above should be taken with a pinch of salt. We’ll be watching for the official announcement that Pure Xbox says could arrive next week, and we’ll update readers as soon as we can confirm the pre-order, release, price, and bundle details.
